Begin’s Reply to Sadat Sent to Egypt

August 7, 1980

JERUSALEM (Aug. 6)

Premier Menachem Begin’s response to the letter by President Anwar Sadat of Egypt asking for “clarifications” from Israel so that the autonomy talks can be resumed was sent to Egypt today by a special emissary. Copies of Begin’s response were also sent to President Carter who had also received a copy of Sadat’s letter to Begin.

A government spokesman said that Begin in his response pointed out that Israel continues to adhere to the Camp David agreements and rejects the allegation by Egypt that Israel is placing obstacles in the way of the autonomy talks. According to the spokesman, who declined to divulge the contents of Begin’s response, the Premier wrote, “He who writes as Sadat does that the legislation of the Knesset on Jerusalem is null and void, his own words have no value.” The Knesset last Thursday voted 69-15 making united Jerusalem the capital of Israel.